As the office market stabilizes, many employees are anticipated to return to work at higher capacity, prompting a reevaluation of their current workspaces to better align with future needs. According to CBRE’s 2024 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey , their research suggests that “average office utilization has largely plateaued, with 64% of respondents reporting that their office usage has reached a steady state, while another 34% expect utilization to increase, driven mostly by larger companies mandating regular office attendance.” As more employees are expected to return to work at higher levels, three industry leaders, Christelle Bron, Americas Agile Practice Leader, CBRE; Madeline Drone RID, Design Director, IA Interior Architects; and Edie Weintraub, Managing Director, Terra Alma discuss their predictions and anticipated office workplace trends for 2025. Read their insights below to learn more.
1. How do you see the future of coworking spaces evolving, particularly in response to changing workplace demands?
“The future of coworking spaces will focus on creating environments that prioritize flexibility, community and wellness,” Weintraub says. “As hybrid work models become the norm, - coworking spaces will evolve to offer diverse solutions for remote workers, entrepreneurs and corporate teams.” This shift emphasizes the need for adaptable workspaces in response to evolving work patterns. One of these emerging trends is the evolution of the “core flex model.” The core flex model, according to Arc Relocation , “allows companies to maintain a stable, long-term office presence while also having the ability to adapt to changing business needs through flexible workspace solutions.” This model could be a game changer for many commercial properties, as Bron believes it offers a compelling solution for managing lease expirations and reducing underutilization of space. Bron suggests the core flex model allows “occupiers to seamlessly integrate traditional leased space and flexible office agreements into their portfolios,” while maintaining financial efficiency and a consistent employee experience.
Exploring coworking spaces can help employees connect better, be more productive and build a stronger workplace culture. Research by Herman Miller shows that people are 1.5 times more likely to be engaged at work if they have spaces that encourage connections. This highlights the impact of thoughtful office design. Drone notes that effective coworking spaces must foster community while remaining dynamic: “[Coworking spaces] should create a substantial sense of place that is both authentic and approachable, balancing social energy with privacy for focused work.”
Employees now expect more than the standard desk and chair setup. Weintraub adds, “I see coworking spaces becoming hubs for connection and creativity, integrating amenities like wellness rooms and childcare.” Welloworks , a woman-owned location in Sandy Springs, GA, Weintraub mentioned, exemplifies how coworking spaces can cater to specific industries with tailored resources. Bron emphasizes the growth of coworking spaces, noting that “smaller tenants have been strong candidates for flexible office space, and their demand for small leases has rebounded faster than the rest of the market.” She also believes that large enterprise deals are slowly resurfacing after taking a back seat post-pandemic.
2. What role does flexibility play in adapting older buildings to meet the needs of modern office tenants?
According to Drone, the idea of flexibility in building repositioning is intriguing, but adaptability may be the bigger goal. As she explains, “Adaptability involves planning for the future and envisioning how amenity spaces can evolve to meet changing needs rather than just addressing immediate demands. Thinking about flexibility within tenant spaces could lead to the incorporation of features like programmable lighting systems and raised access flooring, enabling spaces to transform over time.” The art of updating older buildings isn’t a new technique, but with employees’ increasing demand for collaborative spaces balanced against individual preferences, it remains crucial for modern offices. For example, the Cisco Hybrid Work Study found that 72% of employees are optimistic about returning to the office, but they desire better-equipped areas for collaboration and brainstorming. Additionally, the study revealed that 83% believe collaboration-driven enhancements effectively attract and retain top talent. These findings reveal the priorities of today's workforce.
Weintraub emphasizes that flexibility is the cornerstone of repurposing older buildings into functional, modern office spaces. “By adopting modular layouts, multi-use areas and adaptive infrastructure, older buildings can cater to various tenant needs without significant structural overhauls,” she explains. “Moreover, integrating sustainable upgrades like energy-efficient systems and smart technology ensures these spaces meet modern standards.” Modernizing offices through methods such as these could be accelerated by the development of AI. For example, Construction Week outlines several benefits AI can bring to workplaces:
- AI-embedded furniture: This technology may allow individuals to personalize their workstations, automatically adjusting desk or chair heights each morning according to user preferences.
- AI assistants: These can help manage meeting scheduling, visitor management and HVAC systems, adjusting temperature, humidity and ventilation as needed.
- AI sensors: These devices track real-time occupancy to guide foot traffic and provide data for optimizing space usage.
Overall, Bron confirms that landlords are increasingly exploring flexible office space options. She explains, “While some are turning to flex operators to fill their spaces, the most significant shift is the inclusion of flex office space as part of the amenities offered in trophy assets, which tenants are now seeking in buildings.” According to CBRE’s 2024 Office Occupier Sentiment Survey , 40% of executives expressed a desire for flexible office space options, and we’ve seen prominent landlords make substantial investments in this area over the past few years.
3. What are the key trends in office design that you believe will shape coworking spaces in 2025 and beyond?
Weintraub shares her thoughts for the key trends shaping coworking spaces in 2025 and beyond:
- Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements like greenery, sunlight and organic materials to boost well-being and productivity.
- Hybrid-Ready Spaces: Seamless integration of technology for remote and in-person collaboration, with video conferencing pods and high-speed connectivity.
- Community-Centric Design: Spaces that encourage social interaction through shared kitchens, event areas and curated programming.
- Sustainability: Energy-efficient designs, locally sourced materials and certifications like LEED or WELL will become standard expectations.
- Personalization and Flex Zones: Options for tenants to tailor their workspace experience, from quiet focus zones to dynamic collaboration areas.
- Hospitality-Driven Experiences: Coworking spaces will feel more like boutique hotels, offering concierge-level services, curated events and elevated aesthetics to attract and retain members.
“Historically, many of the above have been siloed in their own properties,” Weintraub says. “The sooner we learn that a variety of uses, experiences and offerings makes everything better, the more successful we will be.” Construction Week describes other trends shaping workplaces in 2025, noting that “whiteboards, flexible furnishings, and space for personal items create a sense of ownership,” while “natural woods, warm lighting, textures and fireside seating create welcoming spaces.” Echoing Weintraub's prediction, the National Library of Medicine’s report details the restorative benefits of biophilic design, including stress reduction, improved cognitive function and boosts to creativity and mood. “Flex office designs vary based on asset location and the specific needs of their member base,” says Bron, with urban spaces emphasizing collaboration and suburban spaces prioritizing privacy. “In all cases...there is an increased need for huddle and collaborative spaces.” Drone believes technology and hospitality design will continue to shape workplaces, creating spaces that are both aesthetically appealing and seamlessly integrated with technology, much like “coworking spaces, along with transportation hubs and airport lounges.”
Adaptability is key to the future of coworking. Flexible, community-focused and sustainable spaces, enhanced by biophilic design and technology, will attract top talent and drive innovation. These adaptable spaces pave the way for a future where employee well-being is at the heart of office design.
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